FREE Family Events at Dublin Libraries

Looking for FREE Family Events in Dublin? Many libraries across the area are hosting events packed with culture & fun: pick a location and bring the Family along!

Chester Beatty Library

The Chester Beatty Library in Dublin hosts a huge variety of events throughout the year for Families & Children. They offer a wide variety of programmes designed to foster better understanding of our European, Middle Eastern, Asian and East Asian collections.

Included are activities for all age groups such as:
– Family activity packs
– Adult and teen drawing packs
– Silk Worm Club workshops for children
– Chester Beatty’s Creative Lab for Teens
– Art workshops for adults
– Film screenings

Dublin City Library

Dublin City Library offers Children’s Book Clubs in the main branch and seven other branches libraries across the city: Ballyfermot, Cabra, Coolock, Donaghmede, Pembroke (Ballsbridge), Raheny and Walkinstown libraries.

The members of most clubs choose a book to read and get together every 3-4 weeks to discuss it. The library provides the books of course. Library staff often research the authors and books as a background to the discussion. Some clubs offer members the chance to come along and talk about the book they are reading currently – these clubs can take place more often as there is no set book to read.

Toddler Groups operate in 13 branch libraries; days/times vary and it might be advisable to check with the relevant library in advance.

Storytelling for Children takes place in seven branch libraries – Ballyfermot, Cabra, Inchicore, Finglas, Marino, Pearse Street & Pembroke – on a regular basis. Days and times can vary so it is advisable to check with the relevant library in advance.

The Importance of Family Reading

Time spent reading together as a family is a long-term investment in vocabulary exposure. Family reading experiences give children the chance to ask questions about words they don’t understand, which leads to more effective reading.

Reading gives us two gifts: the gift of understanding and the gift of feeling understood. Every new book we read shows us another life, another time or place or way of being. Through reading, we learn empathy, compassion, respect and understanding. As Parents, we are able to give our children these skills by doing something as simple and enjoyable as reading!